Kenya has named a 14-player squad for the inaugural 2026 FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival, which kicks off in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Thursday, 22 October.Download our Mozzart Sport app for more newsThe Patrick Nyale-coached side will represent the country at the historic tournament, which runs from Thursday, 22 to Friday, 30 October, and brings together U15 boys’ national teams from FIFA member associations across the world.##NAJAVA_MECA_10047501##Kenya have been drawn against Malta, Niger, North Macedonia, Panama and Chad in the competition's opening round.The squad comprises two goalkeepers, four defenders, four midfielders and four forwards, with players drawn from schools and academies across the country.The tournament marks the first edition of FIFA’s new U15 World Cup and Festival, a global youth football competition designed to provide young players with international exposure and development opportunities.The rise and rise of 6ft 8in Nairobi City Thunder power forward Bramwel MuchinaMost of the matches will be staged at the Hovsan Competition Complex, while Baku Crystal Hall will host the opening match and the tier finals. The closing stages of the competition are scheduled for Friday, 30 October, with the overall tournament running through to Saturday, 31 October.Unlike conventional FIFA competitions, the tournament will use an eight-a-side format played on reduced pitches measuring 68 metres by 50 metres. Matches will consist of two 20-minute halves, with rolling substitutions permitted.Players born in 2011 and 2012 are eligible to participate. Each team is allowed to travel with a maximum of 14 players and six officials.President Ruto promises full modernisation of Kipchoge Keino StadiumThe competition features 191 national teams divided into 32 groups, with the opening phase structured to ensure that no team is eliminated at the first stage.Teams will play a round-robin series of four or five matches in the initial phase, with their results determining their placement in six performance tiers, from Tier A to Tier F.The teams will then compete in a second round of four or five matches against sides placed in the same tier. The structure guarantees continued participation throughout the tournament, giving every team more opportunities to compete and develop.The winners of Tier A will be crowned the inaugural FIFA U15 Boys World Cup and Festival champions.TACTICAL ANALYSIS: How Singida’s second-half changes turned the tide against TuskerKenya U15 squadGoalkeepers: Elvis Odhiambo (Kisumu Day), Raudge Johnstone (St. Mary’s Yala)Defenders: Alpha Amieno Omega (Plainsview Academy), Griffins Ndavi (Sipala Boys), Junior Otieno (St. Antony Boys Kitale), Bleza Barack (Icipe JSS)Midfielders: Silas Juma (Butere Boys), Innocent Media (St. Joseph’s Kitale), Abdirahim Mohammed (Boys Town, Garissa), Javan Ochieng (St. Joseph’s Kitale)Forwards: Dancan Muya (Bwake Boys), Lewis Wafula (Mumias Central JSS), Roy Clinton (St. Antony Kitale), Erick Masika Mamati (St. Joseph’s Kitale)Vihiga Queens coach reveals three reasons behind poor start in new campaign
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